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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1284 to 1308 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 19:40:28
In reply to Re: switch from Celexa to Lexapro » Roman, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 18:03:20
> > Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
> > Cheers,
> > Roman> ** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
> the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
> ******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 20, 2002, at 20:45:03
In reply to anybody have withdrawal s/e with paxil or effexor?, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 19:40:28
> > > Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
> > > Cheers,
> > > Roman
>
> > ** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
> > the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
>
>
> > ******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
>
> Hi,I took Effexor for about 3 years and discountined taking it about a year ago. I had a hard time getting off it because of the discontinuation syndrome. Weird head twitches, upset stomach, headaches. It took about 3 months to completely get off of the effexor and feel normal again. I tapered down each week and it was still hard.
Anxiety Ann
Posted by ayuda on November 20, 2002, at 20:52:51
In reply to all-in-1 info for my lexapro friends, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 12:03:07
Thanks for the all-in-one answer.
I do take my ADs in the morning, first thing after I get up (I take all my meds in the a.m. except, of course, Ativan). Still have complete insomnia (without the Ativan, I don't sleep more than 3 hours a night). With the Ativan, I am up and down all night but get at least 5-6 hours, and have been having those vivid dreams many have discussed (some are quite pleasant, actually). I don't know that I want to take another AD in addition to the Lexapro -- do you recommend another non-habit-forming drug that would help with the insomnia and would work well with the Lexapro? I used to take Neurontin as a mood stabilizer, and one of the s/e's is sleepiness, though I don't recall if it made me sleepy or not (took it at night time). Also, just info on me in particular, I am a 37-yr-old female, and not particularly worried about any s/e other than insomnia and weight gain. Oh, and nausea/GERD (caused by the Effexor and still not gone).
> 1-...for those not sleeping well... do you take lex at night or in morning? I would suggest taking in morning, it might help.
>
> 2-...trazodone....might help if your dr says ok (lowest dose possible should do fine).
>
> 3-...possible probs w/ trazodone...only 1 in 10000, but look up priapism for the guys...it might look ok, but not a fun s/e.
>
> 4-...breaking pills...good news and bad...bad=they are scored, but are pretty small and sometimes crumble...try a razor/non-serated knife on the score-line on a flat surface (press slowly/lightly until broken)
> good= there are plans to make a 5mg pill (also scored) so titrating up will be easier (15mg vs going all the way to 20mg, and of course not having to chop up the 10mg, and also, for those who are very sensitive...getting a 2.5mg without having to use a microscope...hang in there folks and keep posting)
Posted by ayuda on November 20, 2002, at 21:07:35
In reply to anybody have withdrawal s/e with paxil or effexor?, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 19:40:28
> > > Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
> > > Cheers,
> > > Roman
>
> > ** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
> > the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
>
>
> > ******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
>
>I am still coming off the Effexor -- my first week on the Lexapro, I took 5mg Lex (and my pill cutter did pretty good on them) and 150 mg Effexor (had been up to 225 mg Effexor), the following week 10 mg Lex and 75 mg Efexor, and this week 10 mg Lex and 37.5 Effexor.
S/e's: dizziness mostly. Some mental confusion with the dizziness. Blurred vision. The g.i. problems were much worse when I was on the Effexor -- I really developed an ulcer (though Effexor caused an increase in my appetite, which made life hell). The GERD is still pretty bad, I'm taking OTC Pepcid complete 2x every day -- but at least it is working. When I was on the full dose of Effexor, nothing worked.
About Celexa withdrawal, though: I went off Celexa at the end of 2000 (the first time I was on it) after I could not afford the doctor or Rx (changed jobs, worse benefits). I had to taper over a 2 month period. I tried a shorter taper, but dizziness was massive. I got down to where I was cutting the 10 mg tablets into 2.5 (approx), needing some Celexa in my system to not have the dizzy spells. I think it's easier to switch from one AD to another than to quit altogether. When I switched from Zoloft to Celexa (the first time -- I've done both Rx's 2 times), I tapered over one day, then off the Zoloft, no s/e's. I had gone into Seratonin shock at 50 mg of Zoloft at that time, so my shrink had to get me off it fast, and onto Celexa at the same time.
Speaking of the difference between Effexor and Lex, though -- I am enjoying the decrease in my appetite. I hope it stays around. I can't afford to have the appetite and g.i. problems of the Effexor.
Posted by samenewme on November 20, 2002, at 21:22:26
In reply to Should I suggest a switch from Celexa to Lexapro?, posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 12:23:36
> I'm planning on talking with my doc about the switch due to daytime fatigue on Celexa 40 mg. I tried taking it a night, but it caused insomnia.
>
> What do you all think? Is the switch a smart move?
It COULD be a smart move. One thing I'd suggest, though, before switching, is taking the Celexa in the afternoon instead of at night. Maybe it'll be cleared out enough that you can sleep, without giving you daytime fatigue.
Posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 22:36:38
In reply to Re: Should I suggest a switch from Celexa to Lexapro?, posted by samenewme on November 20, 2002, at 21:22:26
I tried taking it in the afternoon and in the evening. The daytime drowsiness was the same, the difference was my ability to sleep soundly.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by syringachalet on November 21, 2002, at 9:18:06
In reply to Re: for people taking Lex for anxiety » Brandymac26, posted by Ritch on November 5, 2002, at 12:50:15
Hello Ritch,
One of the reasons I was sold on SSRIs was that after many years of off and on tricyclics medications and sedative hyponotics, I was starting to have Parkinsonian-like dyskenic events.
Mostly eye twitching/blinking and unconcisous foottaping that exacerbated when I was tired or very anxious.Try to consciously try to control these just made them worse.
With SSRIs almost none of these have occured in me. I do not take anyother psycoactive meds.
For most people I have talked to that have had neg. side effects from SSRIs, these were related to taking the med on empty stomach(nausea) or increased blood pressure( dehydration) or dystonia( interactive with other prescribed medications).
Also be ware that most any allergy med or cold med can had interaction issues with SSRIs too...
Posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I'm new to the AD thing, and was given my first script last week of Wellbutrin. It gave me a terrible itch and some intermittent slight rashes. So my doc switched me to Lexapro two days ago.
First, I did like the none SEs of Wellbutrin. I was feeling better than I have in months, too bad I had an allergic reaction.
Lexapro is kind of strange. I feel reasonably well mentally, but also feel a bit high. I find myself clinching my teeth, or feeling a slight dizziness. I also sense a slight tightness around the front of the top of my head, not painful though. It is though I am coming down off a pot of coffee.
Even with these SEs thus far I am able to concentrate on my work.
Posted by ayuda on November 21, 2002, at 19:38:53
In reply to New user, posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
> I'm new to the AD thing, and was given my first script last week of Wellbutrin. It gave me a terrible itch and some intermittent slight rashes. So my doc switched me to Lexapro two days ago.
>
> First, I did like the none SEs of Wellbutrin. I was feeling better than I have in months, too bad I had an allergic reaction.
>
> Lexapro is kind of strange. I feel reasonably well mentally, but also feel a bit high. I find myself clinching my teeth, or feeling a slight dizziness. I also sense a slight tightness around the front of the top of my head, not painful though. It is though I am coming down off a pot of coffee.
>
> Even with these SEs thus far I am able to concentrate on my work.
I've read that one of the s/e's of Lexapro is jaw clenching -- I don't know if that lasts or subsides. I suffer from it all the time anyhow, but I have noticed that it has gotten worse.What mg of Lex are you taking?
Posted by Scit on November 21, 2002, at 19:41:47
In reply to Wish I could, posted by JaneB on June 11, 2002, at 13:12:29
> I am still waiting for Lexapro to be available. Anyone know when that will be?
> JaneBLexapro is already available, it's been out for a few weeks. I got it just last week from my doctor.
-Scit
Posted by Roger Santiago on November 21, 2002, at 20:54:00
In reply to Re: really crazy » Roger Santiago, posted by Mr.Scott on November 20, 2002, at 12:28:23
> Obviously I don't know your history, but have you considered another diagnosis such as bipolar II?
>
> Frequently people with BP II become variously activated with AD's. Some develop agitation or anxiety while others develop a more clear manic activation. Regardless BP II's are generally depressed most of the time. Check out this one guys site www.psycheducation.org for more info.
Thank you, for your observation(s)Mr. Scott. Sincerely appreciated. will go to sight now.
Roger
Posted by Mr.Scott on November 21, 2002, at 23:55:12
In reply to Re: switch from Celexa to Lexapro » pharmrep, posted by oldhand on November 20, 2002, at 19:36:44
Any SSRI or Effexor will substitute perfectly for one another. You should be able to go right from Effexor or Paxil to Lexapro without any withdrawal or uneasiness. And then I suspect but have not confirmed Lexapro is easier to taper than Effexor or Paxil. It's all about short half life and the brain experiencing too rapid a change. Prozac withdrawal in minimal only because it lasts sooo long.Scott
Posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 0:10:39
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I was just wondering if anything definitive has been figured out here about Lexapro and anxiety. I suffer greatly from GAD, and the Effexor took care of it well (better than the Celexa or Zoloft did). How well it took care of it is obvious to me now that I am coming off it and onto Lexapro -- I feel completely unprotected from my severe anxiety. My doctor (as I've noted in other postings) is not happy about me on the Ativan, an attitude that bothers me because she is not the one suffering.
I was thinking that I can increase my Lexapro to 15mg from 10 (I only have two more doses of Effexor to take) and see if that helps. I can't afford to experience this anxiety -- I fly off the handle too quickly, and it pains me spiritually to be as agitated as I've been. I just can't live like this. So if anyone who has been taking the Lex for more than a month has an opinion about anxiety -- not it causing anxiety but if it effectively treats anxiety, and at what dosage -- I would appreciate the info, so I can present my doctor with a little bit of knowledge about this. Thanks!
Posted by Roger Santiago on November 22, 2002, at 0:25:20
In reply to Re: New user » BuzzLightyear, posted by ayuda on November 21, 2002, at 19:38:53
> > I'm new to the AD thing, and was given my first script last week of Wellbutrin. It gave me a terrible itch and some intermittent slight rashes. So my doc switched me to Lexapro two days ago.
> >
> > First, I did like the none SEs of Wellbutrin. I was feeling better than I have in months, too bad I had an allergic reaction.
> >
> > Lexapro is kind of strange. I feel reasonably well mentally, but also feel a bit high. I find myself clinching my teeth, or feeling a slight dizziness. I also sense a slight tightness around the front of the top of my head, not painful though. It is though I am coming down off a pot of coffee.
> >
> > Even with these SEs thus far I am able to concentrate on my work.
>
>
> I've read that one of the s/e's of Lexapro is jaw clenching -- I don't know if that lasts or subsides. I suffer from it all the time anyhow, but I have noticed that it has gotten worse.
>
> What mg of Lex are you taking?
Hello BuzzLightYear:
I am new here and was not sure if you were asking me (santiago). Anyhow, I did read your experiences
with Wellbutrin and presently with Lexapro. I was
taking CELEXA 40mg., either day or night but once daily. I have been reading good things about LEXAPRO, but have not taken this AD. As a non-medical person, it seems the jaw tension maybe
causing the forehead tension/sensation. It seems to be a good sign that you feel comfortable with mental ability/faculties. However, please check with the Dr., you think best to provide you with
a satisfactory answer you feel good with. I noticed "AYUDA" I speak SPA., Is that what that was? Sincerely, Santiago>
Posted by Mr.Scott on November 22, 2002, at 0:32:29
In reply to So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro?, posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 0:10:39
I wouldn't expect it to work any better than Celexa for anxiety. It may have fewer side effects, but it's no miracle drug.
I am much like you in some ways. I always thought I had an anxiety disorder (which I do) and I have been taking Effexor which has been the best so far. I also have found out conclusively in the last year I have Bipolar typer II. In the last week I have switched to Lexapro (doc gave me samples) and noticed the first couple days I felt great, now I'm not doing so hot. My appetite is dramatically increased and my face is swelling a little bit as it does on all the newer AD's except Effexor. It's from water mostly.
Since it's supposed to work faster than other AD's I'm only going to give it two weeks. At that point I'm going back to Effexor and a benzodiazepine which has been the kindest to me so far.
Are you still taking Effexor with the Lexapro? I had NO PROBLEM just dropping the Effexor and having the Lexapro fill in for it. Maybe the combo is too much for you?
Keep us posted. And tell your doctor to relax on the Ativan if she wants to keep a patient. It's not your fault these 'wonder drugs' fail you and Ativan is helpful.
Scott
Posted by Kairos on November 22, 2002, at 2:16:28
In reply to Re: Should I suggest a switch from Celexa to Lexapro? » samenewme, posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 22:36:38
>Ok - is anyone havingtroubles sleeping soundly with Lexapro? I find I'm waking about every two hours - IF I can even FALL asleep?
Thanks for any tips -
Kairos
I tried taking it in the afternoon and in the evening. The daytime drowsiness was the same, the difference was my ability to sleep soundly.
>
> Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by Atlrunner2002 on November 22, 2002, at 5:46:49
In reply to So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro?, posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 0:10:39
> I was just wondering if anything definitive has been figured out here about Lexapro and anxiety. I suffer greatly from GAD, and the Effexor took care of it well (better than the Celexa or Zoloft did). How well it took care of it is obvious to me now that I am coming off it and onto Lexapro -- I feel completely unprotected from my severe anxiety. My doctor (as I've noted in other postings) is not happy about me on the Ativan, an attitude that bothers me because she is not the one suffering.
>
> I was thinking that I can increase my Lexapro to 15mg from 10 (I only have two more doses of Effexor to take) and see if that helps. I can't afford to experience this anxiety -- I fly off the handle too quickly, and it pains me spiritually to be as agitated as I've been. I just can't live like this. So if anyone who has been taking the Lex for more than a month has an opinion about anxiety -- not it causing anxiety but if it effectively treats anxiety, and at what dosage -- I would appreciate the info, so I can present my doctor with a little bit of knowledge about this. Thanks!I have been on Lexapro for 2+ months now for both depression and anxiety. It "lifted" the depression within a few days, but the anxiety stuck around. After 3 weeks I increased my dose from 10 mg a day (in the a.m.) to 15 (added half a pill at night) and it made a huge difference in the anxiety. I do still have some anxiety occasionally - but it's nothing that 1/2 a .25 mg Xanax can't handle (which is such a low dose it's probably more psychological than anything.)
Posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 10:07:37
In reply to Re: So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro? » ayuda, posted by Mr.Scott on November 22, 2002, at 0:32:29
First of all, I'd like to apologize for the previous post appearing several times. Actually, my computer crashed as soon as I clicked the confirm button, so I had no idea it even went through -- I had to reboot, and didn't log back in to this site. I'm ordering a new computer next week, because this one is so bad especially on the web.
Anyhow, Scott and Altrunner, thanks so much for your responses, they help a lot. The more info I can take into my doctor the better. I'll have to 1) go ahead and increase my Lexapro (I increase my dosage on my own often, since I only have med checks once a month) and 2) pin her into an Rx for something to help me sleep, whether it's Ativan or something she "approves" of. But you are right, she needs to make sure I am not suffering just because she has an ethical problem with treating my s/e's.
I was tapering off the Effexor, but am done with it now -- after reading your post and Altrunner's, I realized that it was ridiculous to hold myself strictly to the taper regimen, and that I should go ahead and increase to 15 mg today and stop the Effexor.
I find it interesting that you are on Lexapro for Bipolar -- I thought that was treated differently. Do you see a shrink or an internist for your meds? Did you not have the g.i. problems that I did with the Effexor? I was so sick that I could not think straight -- but then again, I suffer from g.i. problems naturally. That -- and the massive weight gain -- are the only reasons I stopped the Effexor. I find it interesting also that you've had an increase in appetite from the Effexor to the Lexapro -- I've had just the opposite. I could barely stop eating with the Effexor (despite the acid reflux -- I was miserable), and now I'm back to two meals a day, and I don't feel starved in between.
Good luck on whatever combo works good for you.
> I wouldn't expect it to work any better than Celexa for anxiety. It may have fewer side effects, but it's no miracle drug.
>
> I am much like you in some ways. I always thought I had an anxiety disorder (which I do) and I have been taking Effexor which has been the best so far. I also have found out conclusively in the last year I have Bipolar typer II. In the last week I have switched to Lexapro (doc gave me samples) and noticed the first couple days I felt great, now I'm not doing so hot. My appetite is dramatically increased and my face is swelling a little bit as it does on all the newer AD's except Effexor. It's from water mostly.
>
> Since it's supposed to work faster than other AD's I'm only going to give it two weeks. At that point I'm going back to Effexor and a benzodiazepine which has been the kindest to me so far.
>
> Are you still taking Effexor with the Lexapro? I had NO PROBLEM just dropping the Effexor and having the Lexapro fill in for it. Maybe the combo is too much for you?
>
> Keep us posted. And tell your doctor to relax on the Ativan if she wants to keep a patient. It's not your fault these 'wonder drugs' fail you and Ativan is helpful.
>
> Scott
Posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 10:13:27
In reply to Re: New user, posted by Roger Santiago on November 22, 2002, at 0:25:20
Santiago -- I am the only person in South Florida who doesn't speak Spanish, however I am learning because I am studying (in part) Latin American history, so I tend to try to work the language into my daily life. In figuring a name to use for this site, that this was supposed to help, I chose the handle "ayuda".
Posted by syringachalet on November 22, 2002, at 10:15:16
In reply to New user, posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
Hello Buzz,(I like that name..:o) )
I have known several other people who just started Lexapro(< 10 days) tell me roughly the same kind of symptomology. (runners high..sugar high...)
In reading the literature and in my own personal experience it was the inhibitation/decrease of seratonin that my body was getting adjusted to that gave me a similar feeling. As time went by, it did 'level out' and although I was no longer as depressed as before the Lexapro, my reasoning/concentration was not clouded like when I was on tricyclics meds like Elavil or even a sleeper my shrink prescribed PRN, Sonata.($3.each)
That is why it is so important that you not just stop the SSRIs 'cold turkey'; the flood of returning seratonin (I have been told "is almost as much Hell as going through withdrawal from meth").
A chemical imbalance of seratonin, a naturally occuring body substance, is not that much different than the chemical imbalance of insulin to a diabetic. No diabetic I have ever known woke up one morning and said to himself, "you know what I think I will stop taking my insulin and I will be fine"....that kind of denial would have some diabetics dead in 72 hours without some intervention.Hang on, Buzz, I think you sound like things will be geting 'brighter' for you soon...LOL syringachalet
Posted by new user2 on November 22, 2002, at 10:28:43
In reply to New user, posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
I too am a new user 4 days. I felt great for day 1-3, but today I had an intense feeling that I was on fire thoughout my body. (Lasted 20 minutes)Even my hair folicles expeienced a burning feeling. Is this normal?
Posted by Mr.Scott on November 22, 2002, at 11:01:46
In reply to Re: So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro? » Mr.Scott, posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 10:07:37
Individual differences are truly amazing with these drugs... Everyone has a totally different response...
Regarding Bipolar. I'm Type II which means I'm mostly depressed and occassionally hypomanic or very happy & excited considering I may have been morbidly depressed the day before, but nothing crazy on the manic side. I agree that it is usually treated differently. No one sees or addressss my hypomanias, and then they get mad at me because the AD's don't work for some reason?!?!?
Scott
Posted by cyndijeanne on November 22, 2002, at 11:52:58
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone experienced shaking or trembling in their hands from Lexapro? Is this normal? I didnt have this before. I take 10mg of Lexapro in the morning with .50mg of Xanax. I take the medication at the same time everyday. The strange thing is that some days are worse then others. Yesterday I was trembling so bad I couldnt hold a piece of paper. Today is much better only a little trembling now and then. Is also seems to go away completly after 2:00p.m. If it was the medication would it come and go?
Posted by Roger Santiago on November 22, 2002, at 15:45:51
In reply to Re: New user, posted by new user2 on November 22, 2002, at 10:28:43
> I too am a new user 4 days. I felt great for day 1-3, but today I had an intense feeling that I was on fire thoughout my body. (Lasted 20 minutes)Even my hair folicles expeienced a burning feeling. Is this normal?
Dear BuzzLightyr:
since im new here i do not know if you asked me or were asking somebody else to comment on the intense feeling you experienced feeling you were on fire. I do not think it is unusual for people who experience a severe episode of nerves/anxiety.
In the late 1980's, I communicated to a Fam. Dr., that i was having intense and sudden anxiety. Well in a heartbeat, he nodded yes and told me it was a panic attack, left the exam room bless his heart and brought me a magazine article on that subject and how the body or its muscles release
"lactic acid" which causes a burning and uneasy feeling. The recommended treatment by that particular MD who authored the article was to get on Xanax doses of 4mg daily minimum and take it "religiously" my Fam Dr., advised me and gave me samples and wrote a script for 120/ 1 mg tablets with 5 refills. I figured it was non-addicting/non-controlled. I had never heard of it and was introduced to this med., as a specific remedy for panic attacks. I continued to read the article and it also had Inderal listed with Calan both heart meds., so I stayed away from those and
"religiously" took the Xanax even if I felt well
like the doctor directed me. When I called a pharmacy to ask if it was a benzodiazepine after I felt relaxed, the pharmacist answered in a technical manner stating "NO. Its a triazolobla-bla. I could not understand it all but was positive I was not taking tranquilizers and felt good about myself. In 1988 many FamDr's were talking about Xanax helping depression !!!! So I figured I was taking a new smart drug state of the art for my panic disorder. But what happened when this patient took 4mg, Xanax daily as directed and filled each of the 5 refills authorized with religious precision as directed ran out and did not think twice of more "therapy"?
When I was running out of pills, the last thought on my mind was suffering any degree of withdrawl.
I started to feel detached, sweating, feeling hinky and my whole body started twitching badly.
I went to a late clinic not wanting to bother my regular Dr. The Physician there was astonished when I showed him the Xanax 1mg., 4 tabs, per day quantity 120 supply for 6 months. I finally finally learned it was scheduled Rx and it was addictive. I asked the temp/ Physician if he would or could ween me off as I had no desire to continue medicating for the sake of suppresing withdrawl. The Physician's demeanor changed and
spoke in a sarchastic tone advising me that he was going to do for me "something he would not do for a member of his own family". He wanted me to fill 10 (ten) tabs of 0.25mg to take twice a day steadfastly to avoid serious withdrawl, that could
result in a critical convulsion. Some form of triazolobenzodiazepine withdrawl he planned. I soon realized I was duped and that this Physician
was not prescribing a therapeutic dose to start a
legitimate weening process. The Physician, was taking advantage of my will asking me to return every 5th day after 8 p.m., to receive a refill of
8 (eight) more tabs., and stretch them over 5 days
I was charged $57.00., for each visit and was having a 2 tab reduction every 5th day to 6 (six)
tabs for 5 days as it was my responsibility to make the pills last and pay my $57.00. The fourth visit and 20 days later, I was still twitching and
now stuttering. I get an Rx for 4 (four) 0.25mg tabs and held to the make them last 5 days cut-in half if need be away he goes and I am charged $57.00 again. Fifth visit, while a nurse is taking my blood pressure she opens up and in so doing gives me a speech about how that clinic has
to turn "seekers" of 'prefered medications" and it is so obvious the nurse states, that I have been going to the clinic every 5 days to get more
of my prefered sought medication because I was an addict to Xanax and would do "GOD knows what for it" !!!! ???
I was embarrased. Felt foolish and disgusted with
myself for trusting that Physician who was acting
in bad faith and treated me like a rag of the dope addict "I was hot on the seeking trail for a coupple of 0.25mg Xanax tabs." Suffering from serious neurologic twitches, spasms and stuttering and summoning all the tranquility i could to prevent what felt like my brain having electric sensations, that would end with my body
having one whole quick body twitch so intense I jumped. I could not beleive that either the nurse and specially the Physician would follow that line of beleifs based on receiving a prescribed course of 1mg Xanax tabs, w/ 5 refills and authorization by my usual doctor to take 4mg a day. If I was intent on the theory of seeking drug behavior for Xanax, why would I keep returning to the Physician taking advantage of my
steadfast will to withdraw and cease another repeat of neurological symptoms caused by that RX
Once the nurse purged her soul about her theory
about me and my motives, I got up, went to the window to pay before the Dr., came in to write a
2 tab quantity 0.25mg strength Xanax. I was charged $57.00 again. I saw a business card dispenser with the name of the Medical Director, took one card and soon I showed up at an alternative Medical Clinic, with the same Medical Branch, where the Director/Physician was substituting. It was a commercial chain of Med-Clinics. I made him aware through a receptionist of who I was and my purpose for visiting him, When I was asked what the purpose of my visit to
the Director/Dr., was, I advised the staff to tell the Director, that I traveled an appreciable distance in hope of discussing a verbal grievance regarding an affiliate Physician, who endangered my well-being at a crucial time, when I was relying on a course of therapeutic medical care .
Furthermore, that despite that fact, the Physician in question continued to endanger my well-being after the initial visit in which I furnished answers to questions asked of me and
listed my Chief Complaint clearly & further provided my medical history in detail w/ medical diagnosis rendered by my usual doctor , medication he prescribed, dosage, strength and quantity and exhibited the duplicate labels reflecting my information plus the Name of my regular doctor, business address, phone numberand explained I chose not to telephone my regular doctor because regardless of my medical urgency,
it would require a visual examination due to the nature of twitching muscles and neck spasms visible to the eye. When I sat in the Office of the Director/Physician, I provided my picture
DL, a report from the State police which reflects
No moving citations and No arrest record. Also, a copy of a document reflecting my authorization for said Physician to contact my regular doctor,
if he so desired. Finally, I furnished the Director/M.D., with a photocopy authored and printed by the Medical State Board setting forth
minimal standards of medical practice, that should be rendered in the presence of listed symptomology which was entirely consistent with
my Chief Complaint. In closing, I refered to another section of the Medical Practice Act, which described step by step in plain English, how
to examine a patient given visible symptoms, that
when considered in whole that a patient advises
the attending Physician of material value that can be reasonablly ascertained for medical reasons it is incumbent upon the attending to act
accordingly with the intent to form therefrom a
plan therapeutic in medical nature that is reasonably medically expected based on medical education, training and or experience to comfort a patients in medical distress by effective means,
primarily implimenting the utilization of pharmatherapeutic agents which are recognized for the potential therapeutic value and benefit to a
patient who can be releived of physical pain,
psychological fear or disturbance, trauma, immediate sedation for emergency intubation of an airway where invasive procedures or surgical intervention is indicated or obstetrical emergencies arise with similar urgency and require
similar administration of pharmacological agents
for the constant medical goal of prescribing a therapeutic course of medecine to any patient in medical need. The out dated bias and prejudice held against MMP and are therefore deprived of additional analgesia is subject to disciplinary
action, including but not limited to XYZ. The medical standard and scope of medicine has branched out to the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain, if a patient so chooses and requests a pain management physician, although any
medical practitioner can provide immediate relief
for a patient in pain. Addiction medicine will be
observed in its protocols and medical treatment
offered to voluntary patients as well as Parole
Officer and or Court mandate for a specified period of time. After advising the Director of the medical facts in my case, the manifestations
visible neurological disturbance such as the twitching of several muscles including my neck and
the latent speech disturbance, I was sent to a
neutral neurology practice who determined that the failure to provide adequate doses of Xanax for
the purpose of gradually weening me off was negligent and reflected incompetent treatment of
a patient. EEG and other studies show damage to
certain portions of the brain ( aseries of small strokes it was explained ) due to the failure to control the neurological complications expected from the abrupt withdrawl of benzos or triazolobenzos. The Physician was reported to the State Board by his peers. The disbelief this
neglect and conduct caused affected field agents resulting in the promptual paging by a State Board Officer to a local field agent assigned to
the area I was mistreated. The field agent visited me in record time, left me a yellow legal pad to record my treatments and resulting problems
were verified through interviews with neurologists
and several major investor Physicians from the chain of medical clinics. The chain was fined 20K
and the incompetent physician who would not even offer to do the favorfor his Mother that he did
for me was suspended 2 years , fined $25K and was
ordered to attend a series of medical courses prior to being eligible for reinstatement. I hope this helps somebody, anybody from the same nightmare.
Posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 16:31:22
In reply to Re: So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro? » ayuda, posted by Mr.Scott on November 22, 2002, at 11:01:46
> Individual differences are truly amazing with these drugs... Everyone has a totally different response...
>
> Regarding Bipolar. I'm Type II which means I'm mostly depressed and occassionally hypomanic or very happy & excited considering I may have been morbidly depressed the day before, but nothing crazy on the manic side. I agree that it is usually treated differently. No one sees or addressss my hypomanias, and then they get mad at me because the AD's don't work for some reason?!?!?
>
> ScottNo offense to any of the MD's who may be reading these postings, but not every doctor could graduate at the top of their class, I guess. Some of them are very good scientists and researchers, but they don't treat us as whole human beings. Also, they get so darned concerned with our "low" feelings, they don't understand that we can't handle any extremes, that all of them are dangerous.
I just got back from seeing the doctor today. First it was the medical doctor, just to get a renewal of my Allegra-D. It seems that my blood pressure is elevated, so I am on Allegra w/out the D until it comes down. The increase in anxiety didn't help.
So I went to see the shrink on an emergency basis, and she wants me to increase the Effexor and taper more slowly, keep taking 10 mg of the Lexapro, and as was suggested to me the other day, she gave me an Rx for Trazodone. There's a part of me that wonders if I am being medicated in a circle -- if I go off all the meds, I'll feel exactly the same as being on all of them.
Why can't I just have a normal psychiatric problem? (That's a joke, just in case anyone can't tell).
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